http://www.pgmusic.com/index.html

Lots of interesting things! (And things I'd hoped would be there still missing).

But the most interesting is in RealBand: New UserTracks (create your own custom RealTracks) are supported.



BTW, I've noticed that the audio quality for the video demos is pretty low. The encoding made horns demo sounded awful. I understand the need for a lower bitrate, but when I first heard it, I wondered if something was the matter with my hearing. The audio-only demos are much better.

Ahhhhh

Finally

Now I do know what I want for Xmas....

I notice the PG web site states: "The GUI has been redesigned with a great new look and many time-saving enhancements!"

But I couldn't find any decent screen captures showing any of the new layouts, which is a shame. Also, the Video Demo of new features for 2014 doesn't seem to be available to coincide with the release. It sure would be good to see those first. Hope PGM are putting the finishing touches on those too!

Regards
VideoTrack

VideoTrack, give them some time to catch up. The program was only made available a few hours ago.

David, just to be clear, the new UserTracks feature works in BIAB as well as RealBand. There will be a new user forum to facilitate exchange for this great new feature.

The Nawlins styles fits a big portion of my songbook to a "T", can't wait to get started!

Maybe next year we can get a little "real" Zydeco, I am a patient man.

Later,

Matt, thanks for the clarification! I figured they probably would, but it's good to know for sure.

I assume that "User Tracks" will be a scaled down version of RealTracks, since coming up with a full database of sounds would be rather burdensome.

I'm curious about these templates, and how clever they are. For example, I assume the template allows for a variety of chords. But if one is missing from your template, what sort of substitutions does BiaB do? For example, does it find a compatible major and/or minor if you're lacking a major 7th chord in your template?

I know, all will be revealed in good time.

David, I haven't tried UserTracks yet. Someone who did said that you could use the template from PG Music, or just start recording over BIAB songs you know.

Danny, have you put this in the Realtracks wishlist? If you haven't, I think it's worth adding.

Noel

Or, if you are a solid player of Zydeco, now you can create your own RealTracks, called UserTracks.

So now I all I need to do is find a decent flute player who can play over the changes, and I can finally have my "Pop Flute" that I've been pining for.

Although if I could do that, I'd just have them play on the track in the first place.

I can't wait to get more details on this.

This is really great news. Like a dumb-dumber I dialed sales... 11:45pm.
This last day of a terrible week is capped off nicely.
Thanks Matt, and of course PG folks. Looks like great stuff.

There is some nice new stuff, and the new version addresses several user requests. The revised GUI and the UserTracks are two of those.

Hi Matt
Certainly not a criticism, as I mentioned: "Hope PGM are putting the finishing touches on those too!"

Edit: the 2014 video is there actually, but I think I was looking in the What's new, Features and Video Demos pages, either that, or the new link arrived later. Doesn't matter, at least there is some info and plenty of screen data.

Looks a nice GUI but I didnt mind the old one.
Nothing much for us Pop / Rockers, especially for 60s / 70s material.I wonder what the demography of Users is?
Jazzers rule?
cheers
ian

Ian, I don't think we know the answer but every year someone comments that the updates favor some genre. Over time, I think it evens out nicely. Check out some of the improvements in strings this year, which can enhance about any genre.

Hi Ian,

I thought the spread seemed pretty even across Pop/Rock, Jazz and Country. There's a little bit of 60/70s but not lots. Then again, the ability to create one's own Realtracks is pretty good.

Regards,
Noel

You're right! No harm intended by my quick reply. I'm hanging around late tonight to answer questions about the new version as best I can. I think you can expect a lot of supporting material to roll out over time.

There's some very solid new additions for Pop/Rockers this year, Ian.

*Pop Strings

*Also a RealTracks String Quartet that has some real possibilities. During the beta, I tried it out with Paul McCartney's Yesterday chords. Add a guitar, and, sweet.

*Loops now support Acidized Loops, so that tempo/chord root info is automatic - this one feature has HUGE implications for those wishing to be able to nail Pop music hooks, riffs, etc.

*A Legato Strings feature automatically
optimizes MIDI string parts to prevent retriggering the same notes. -- This one feature really makes a Sonic Difference, more Realism.

*8 new Hi-Q MIDI sounds, including new pianos, basses.

*41 Pop/Rock RealTracks:
Hot!- New Orleans Boogie styles added (piano, bass, drums, guitar). Horn Section Background ‘Pad’ style added. Funky Electric Piano and Clav from piano legend John Jarvis. 60’s/70;s funk grooves - bass, piano and drums. New
Dance Synth tracks. Baritone Sax Blues backgrounds and more!


I likely missed a few other New Features or Improvements that would apply to your chosen genres.


--Mac

There's enough in here for me to make this a required purchase. And I figure that every feature that's a meh for me has someone else very excited.

For example, 192 and 193 have me baffled - they're mostly synth. I don't understand why PG Music would devote a RealTrack to something better suited for MIDI tracks, especially when they've got Hi-Q MIDI sounds. I would have found "real" instruments on disco tracks (especially strings) would have been a very cool addition. But again... someone is going to find that a killer feature.

While we don't seem to have brass "riffs" this round, the focus on more "pad" sounds means that they're likely to fit with more styles.

As Mac noted, there's a real strings, which can be combined together in various parts. That looks like it'll be fun to play with. The held common notes in MIDI string parts is also welcome.

I'm looking forward to better support for Garritan instruments.

And while there's no MusicXML, support for Sinsy means that some work in that direction has begun.

But I'm really looking forward to the UserTracks. The first person to put together some nice "oohs" and "aahs" will be making a lot of friends on this forum.

triggered my "reach for the credit card" reflex! downloading now...

David, I feel the same about those synth tracks. I would've liked more of the P&W styles as I find I use them a lot. And some flute. I'm not overly excited about some of the new RT's as some seem awfully close to what we already have but I'm sure others are.

But you know, once I get the new upgrade, I always find myself really appreciating and using many tracks I wasn't so excited about on first look. LOL!

I'm really looking forward to the users realtracks too. I'm not a good enough instrument player but there are many people on here who are. I think a good flute player is going to get a lot of love. And when I figure out how to use this new feature, maybe I can at least contribute some ooo's and ahhh's. <grin>

The new gui looks great.

I asked this in the RB forum - but anyone know of if there are any changes to Realband? Just curious.

Josie, there's a very nice Hi-Q flute sound that's new.

David, I actually tested the Sinsy Music XML output by loading it into Sibelius and MuseScore. Both were successful, with MuseScore actually being better at timing.

Yes, let's hope there will be more development in Music XML.

Here's a shot of the new GUI. Later, Ray

These are not made by any old MIDI keyboard, but were done using REAL SYNTHESIZERS, played by real live Synthesists.

There's a huge difference.

Not my particular favorite genre either, but every year we have to share with all, eh?



RealTracks Set 193: Dance: Disco & More

http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.realtracks.htm

RealTracks Set 191: Funky Electric Piano & More contains some keyboard tracks that should be very usable for certain Disco work.




There's a hidden workaround in using Sinsy, I didn't get to experiment with it much during the Beta, but Sinsy is able to return the XML data if asked, and that likely can import your BB chords into other programs.



Absolutely.


--Mac

Making User Tracks is pretty easy. I've done some bass & of course the OOOHs & AAAAHs thing.

It's a bit too subtle for my ears. The Koto and Bell Pad patches sounded like something from an M1 with some effects added.


Exactly.


Yes, I thought the same thing when I first listened to it.


I'm happy to see BiaB get any sort of MusicXML support.